Which of the following is the first step in beginning a lesson?

The first step in beginning a lesson is focusing on cueing the students' attention. This step is crucial because it helps to prepare students mentally for the upcoming lesson, ensuring they are engaged and ready to learn. When teachers effectively cue students’ attention, they create an environment conducive to learning where students are more likely to concentrate on the material being presented.

Cueing attention can involve using various strategies such as raising your voice, asking questions that pique interest, or employing visual aids to draw students in. This initial engagement sets the tone for the lesson and allows students to shift their focus towards the learning objectives.

In contrast, while removing distractions is important for maintaining an effective learning environment, it is not the primary step in initiating a lesson. Distributing an outline can be beneficial for structuring student understanding, but it relies on the students already being focused and attentive. Similarly, stating goals and activities provides clarity about the lesson's purpose but is most effective once students are engaged and their attention has been captured. Therefore, establishing attention is the foundational step that facilitates the success of subsequent activities, including outlining and goal-setting.